*Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe, Lucien Favre, and Paulo Fonseca touted as a possible replacement
By Kehinde Okeowo
Steve Bruce, the English manager of Newcastle United, has left the club by mutual consent.
The coach, who joined the club in July 2019, is leaving the club just 13 days after the Saudi Arabia-backed £305m takeover of the club was completed.
Newcastle have confirmed his exit and said the appointment of a new manager will be announced in due course. They also thanked him and wished him well.
A Newcastle statement said the club “would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve for his contribution and wishes him well for the future”.
A lot of managers are being considered for the position, however, Graeme Bailey, Transfer Correspondent for 90 Minutes football believes Eddie Howe, Lucien Favre, and Paulo Fonseca are the leading candidates.
“”I understand that Newcastle are today continuing talks with leading managerial candidates Eddie Howe, Lucien Favre and Paulo Fonseca.
“Second interviews were held earlier in the week – as we revealed” He said.
James Robson, football writer for Standard, however, thinks Frank Lampard is the favorite to get the job, but added that it is a risky appointment, as he would be expected to deliver with lesser resources..
“Lampard had a taste of life under the most demanding of owners at #chelsea. At Newcastle he’d just have far worse resources with which to meet sky high expectations” Robson said.
Meanwhile, one of his players, Allan Saint-Maximin has this to say on Steve Bruce: “You are, without a doubt, one of the most gentle people that I have ever met in the world of football.
“You have been a man of your word, a caring man and a fair man who never hesitated to protect us. I will never forget how you treated me, for that I will be forever grateful.”
Bruce thanked the club for the opportunity given to him.
“I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club,” said Bruce.
He thanked his support staff and players, he also and tasked the new owners to ensure they return the club to their former glory.
“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work.
“There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.
“This is a club with incredible support and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.” He added.
Steve Bruce as the Necaslte’s manager was in charge of 8 Premier League games this season, out of which he is yet to win any game, he lost 5 and drew 3.
As a result of that, the club have 3 points and a -9 goal difference and currently sit above Norwich City who occupy the bottom of the Premier League table.